London streets to witness trials of all-electric double-decker buses early next year

Equipmake, the leading commercial vehicle electrification specialist which has more than 20 years of experience in developing and integrating industry-leading innovative electric powertrains and Spanish coachbuilders Beulas SAU with almost 90 years of experience teamed up with the largest bus company in London, Go-Ahead London to deliver the new Jewel E all-electric double-decker buses and will begin in-service trials on the London streets early next year.

An electric double-decker bus with a 543 kWh battery pack is powered by Equipmake’s Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED) starring a modular lithium-ion battery design, the ZED allows three options: 325kWh, 434kWh and 543kWh and a max range of 300 miles on a single charge guaranteeing more than enough daily operating distance. As per the companies, this is the largest battery of any two-axle, double-decker electric bus in the world. The Jewel E is one of the first electric buses to meet the latest Transport for London (TfL) bus safety requirements for 2024, according to a press release from Equipmake. The development team of Equipmake worked jointly with the engineering team of Go-Ahead London to fulfil these 2024 specifications. As a result, these electric buses are compatible to work in the surrounding provinces as well, not just London.

In a press release published by Equipmake, Richard Harrington, Engineering Director at Go-Ahead London, was quoted as saying:

“ We at Go-Ahead London strongly believe that transforming our fleet from internal combustion power to electric energy will present a long-term solution to decrease emissions and help produce a cleaner environment. With the existing electric fleet and Europe’s first all-electric bus garage, Go-Ahead London has already saved 700 tonnes of CO2. The company has the necessary support already in place to seamlessly blend the Jewel E test program into its duties. What makes the Jewel E even more appealing is that it is one of the first EV buses to meet the new Transport for London (TfL) bus safety standard guidelines and specifications for 2024, which gives it an important advantage for our passengers, drivers and the public.”

Ian Foley, Managing Director, Equipmake, was quoted as saying: “The Jewel E double-decker bus uses the latest powertrain technologies to construct an extremely efficient, cost-effective and purpose-built commercial bus. The first vehicle to meet the stringent requirements of the Transport for London running across the capital.”

“Equipmake is delighted to partner with Go-Ahead. In-service trials with London’s largest bus operator will allow us to continue the vehicle’s development during real-world usage cycles on public roads, a vital next step in perfecting the double-decker electric bus before it enters full service.”

After Go-Ahead London’s service trials, the electric buses will begin production in Norfolk. The bus will play a key role in helping the government to achieve its target of 4,000 British-built zero-emission buses in the market by 2024, and the global electric bus market itself is anticipated to reach one million vehicles by 2030, up from 300,000.